Drug interactions
Artemether / lumefantrine + Hydrocortisone
Severity: Minor
Artemether / lumefantrine and Hydrocortisone: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both artemether and lumefantrine are CYP3A4 substrates and artemether may induce CYP3A4 modestly, while hydrocortisone is also a CYP3A4 substrate. Changes in exposure to either drug are possible but are generally small and not well documented clinically.
What this interaction means in plain words
Artemether / lumefantrine and Hydrocortisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Bidirectional, weak CYP3A4-mediated effects; poorly characterised.
What to do
No dose adjustment is routinely needed. Monitor antimalarial response and steroid effect in patients on prolonged high-dose steroids.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Hydrocortisone
- Hydrocortisone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aldesleukin + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aspirin + Hydrocortisone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Artemether / lumefantrine with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Artemether / lumefantrine and Hydrocortisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Both artemether and lumefantrine are CYP3A4 substrates and artemether may induce CYP3A4 modestly, while hydrocortisone is also a CYP3A4 substrate. Changes in exposure to either drug are possible but are generally small and not well documented clinically.
How serious is the interaction between Artemether / lumefantrine and Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose adjustment is routinely needed. Monitor antimalarial response and steroid effect in patients on prolonged high-dose steroids.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocortisone with, for example, Mifepristone, Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent, Smallpox vaccine live. The full list is on the Hydrocortisone page.
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